Disabled Olympic torch-bearer's wheelchair is stolen

A DISABLED teenager who was one of Tyneside’s Olympic torch bearer’s has had his wheelchair stolen.

A DISABLED teenager who was one of Tyneside’s Olympic torch bearer’s has had his wheelchair stolen.

William Hardy was the lucky lad who got to light the cauldron in Newcastle last year as part of the 2012 Games torch relay.

The 15-year-old, who lost both his legs and a hand to meningitis as a youngster, uses a wheelchair to get around.

But his chair, which is loaned to him by the Freeman Hospital, was stolen from outside his home in Holly Avenue, Jesmond, Newcastle, last weekend.

His mum, Hilary, 52, said: "I was just so shocked.It never occurred to us that anyone would do that.

"It’s just a very selfish thing to do."

William contracted meningitis when he was 23 months old.

He was able to get back on his feet 10 years ago after Chronicle readers raised £17,000 to buy him a new pair of prosthetic legs with our Help Will Walk Tall campaign.

During a packed 2012, William was not only selected to carry the Olympic torch, but also got the opportunity to meet Kate Middleton during her visit to Newcastle.

The theft of the wheelchair happened between 8pm on Saturday and 2pm on Sunday.

Northumbria Police’s Neighbourhood Inspector for the area, Louise Cass-Williams said: "It’s beyond belief that someone would steal it, knowing full well it’s an essential piece of equipment for someone who has a disability.

"This is a despicable and heartless crime.

"We’re exploring the possibility that this may have been done as a prank, but there is nothing humorous about this and those responsible may now realise how harmful their actions have been.

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